flutter
flutter — verb
- flutterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fluttershe / she / it
- flutteredpast simple
- fluttering-ing form
1. (of a bird, insect, or lightweight object) to move quickly and lightly with smal
(of a bird, insect, or lightweight object) to move quickly and lightly with small, rapid motions — for example, a butterfly fluttering its wings, or a flag fluttering in the wind.
A small butterfly fluttered past Ingrid's window and landed on the rose bush.
intransitive: flutter + direction adverb (past)
Bilal pinned the note to the board, where its edge fluttered in the breeze.
intransitive: flutter in [the wind/breeze]
The hummingbird fluttered its wings so fast that Emma could barely see a blur.
Leaves fluttered down from the maple tree and covered the garden path.
Valentina fluttered her eyelashes and smiled when Emre complimented her cake.
文法句型
flutter (something)
flutter + adverb/preposition of direction
用法筆記
The object is almost always 'wings' or 'eyelashes'. When intransitive, the subject is a light object (leaves, paper, fabric, flag), a bird, or an insect.
常見錯誤
2. (of a person's heart or stomach) to beat or feel uncomfortable in a quick, irreg
(of a person's heart or stomach) to beat or feel uncomfortable in a quick, irregular way because of excitement, nervousness, or strong emotion.
Emma's heart fluttered with excitement when she opened the university acceptance letter.
pattern: heart flutters with [emotion]
Each time Tuan hears the doorbell, his stomach flutters as he hopes for his package.
stomach as subject (physical sensation)
Piotr's heart fluttered when he saw Niran waiting for him at the train station.
Indra felt her heart flutter when the doctor smiled and said the test was clear.
Nellie's stomach fluttered nervously before her very first speech at work.
- race
faster and more intense — a heart races with fear; fluttering is a lighter, more delicate feeling
- skip a beat
a single moment of surprise; flutter suggests a longer, repeated sensation
文法句型
heart/stomach flutters
flutter with [emotion]
用法筆記
Only the heart or stomach can be the subject in this sense. It is always intransitive — you cannot 'flutter someone'. Often followed by 'with' plus a feeling noun such as excitement, nerves, or fear.
常見錯誤
flutter — noun
- fluttersingular
- fluttersplural
1. a brief, lively burst of excitement or busy activity shared by a group of people
a brief, lively burst of excitement or busy activity shared by a group of people.
There was a sudden flutter of activity in the office when the CEO arrived early.
collocation: flutter of activity
The announcement caused a flutter of excitement among the fans waiting outside.
collocation: flutter of excitement
A flutter of panic went through the passengers when the plane hit rough air.
After weeks of quiet, the news created a flutter of interest in the small community.
The children watched in a flutter of delight as fireworks painted the night sky.
- flurry
busier and more chaotic — a flurry of phone calls suggests many quick actions; flutter is lighter and shorter
文法句型
a flutter of [activity/emotion]
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the phrase 'a flutter of + [emotion or activity noun]'. Common nouns used here are 'excitement', 'activity', 'panic', 'interest', and 'delight'.
常見錯誤
2. a small amount of money that someone risks on the result of a race or competitio
a small amount of money that someone risks on the result of a race or competition, especially a horse race.
My uncle likes to have a flutter on the horse races every Saturday afternoon.
fixed phrase: have a flutter on [event]
The friends each put a small flutter on the football match, just for fun.
Bilal had a flutter on the Grand National and actually won fifty pounds.
It was only a flutter — five pounds on the number seven horse.
Emma does not usually gamble, but she had a flutter at the office charity sweepstake.
- bet
neutral and can be any amount; flutter specifically suggests a small, casual bet for fun
文法句型
have a flutter
put a flutter on
用法筆記
Primarily British English and informal. The most common fixed expression is 'have a flutter'. The bet is small and for entertainment, not serious gambling.
常見錯誤
3. a single quick, light movement, especially back and forth or up and down.
a single quick, light movement, especially back and forth or up and down.
With a flutter of its wings, the sparrow left the branch and flew away.
pattern: a flutter of [body part]
The bride gave a quick flutter of her eyelashes for the wedding photograph.
There was a flutter of white curtains at the open kitchen window.
The old woman watched the gentle flutter of autumn leaves in the breeze.
A flutter of pages caught Valentina's attention — someone nearby was reading a newspaper.
- flap
a larger, more forceful movement — the flap of a flag in a strong wind; flutter is lighter and quicker
文法句型
a flutter of [wings/eyelashes/leaves]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' plus a noun describing the thing that moves. The movement is delicate and graceful, not heavy or forceful.